Another Long Time Train Shop Closed

Wow, I’ve bought quite a few things from Jack, including my fine running Atlas SW8 in EL colors. He also purchased quite a large lot of HO I had for a reasonable price.
I also wish him well.

Artie

Too bad, but I thought this was going to happen. I visited them 10 or so months ago and inventory was VERY scarce , from supplies to trains.

I remember them from many (maybe 30 or so) years ago when they shared a store with Grzyboski's. I think Grzyboski's was in the front and Scranton Hobbies in the back, but it could have been the other way around

Lionelski I remember hearing about that but when I started going there the 2 stores were in different locations but only a block apart. Then Grzyboski moved out of town to their new store.

@Lionelski posted:

I remember them from many (maybe 30 or so) years ago when they shared a store with Grzyboski's. I think Grzyboski's was in the front and Scranton Hobbies in the back, but it could have been the other way around

It was the other way around!

Scranton hobby will be missed . I used to stop by on the way to steamtown and Grzyboski's. And I really miss Joe Grzyboski, but at least his family is keeping the store together at least so far.

Scranton Hobby commissioned a three pack from K-Line. I'm pretty sure it had a hopper, a gondola and I cannot remember the third.  It was so long ago I'm probably wrong about the hopper and gondola.  Three cars in a master carton.  John

My history with Scranton Hobby goes back close to 60 years just before  Jack Sweeney Sr. bought out Tony Kovaleski, father of the owner of Auto World (model car supplier)  and race driver Oscar Kovaleski.  As a kid, I was a regular at their Adam's Ave. store.

The Sweeneys maintained their businesses in downtown Scranton through the city's  good times and bad.  Beside the semi-annual train show they operated the gift shops in the hotel in the former Lackawanna station and the Pocono Summit Station during the Steamtown Foundation days,

They also ran the snack car on the trains. It was on the trains that I hold my fondest memories.  Helen Sweeney, Jack's and Tim's mom,  would feed the crew through the car's windows when we passed by the snack car during our run-a-round between runs (In those days we made three trips per day).  Our favorite special treat was fresh strawberry shortcake, made just for us. 

Over the years I have been a regular customer and even worked on a small project with them.  I have always considered them to be good friends.  Although COVID has lessened the number of my visits these last two years, I will miss them.     

I will keep the Sweeney family in my prayers.

Earl

I have so many fond memories of going to this store when I was younger. My family and I used to go to the Poconos every year for quite some time, and we always stopped by. Jack, Tim and Bill are great people, and have always treated us well. I hope Jack’s health improves. I’m sorry to hear about this news. I have purchased so many things over the years from them, and the store will be missed.

a wonderful hobby shop and great guys. I will miss visiting and every Lionel, K-Line and Hess Truck purchase. Jack, Thank you for carrying the torch. all the best!

@rattler21 posted:

Scranton Hobby commissioned a three pack from K-Line. I'm pretty sure it had a hopper, a gondola and I cannot remember the third.  It was so long ago I'm probably wrong about the hopper and gondola.  Three cars in a master carton.  John

They were custom K-Line die cast Delaware, Lackawanna & Western:

Gondola w/ Scrapload & Covers                         4 Bay hopper                                                      40' Single Door boxcar"Phoebe Snow".  

I remember (with the help of my inventory spreadsheet) that I bought them in the shop in the summer of 2003. You also got a free Lackawanna poster with purchase.

So sad. Most of the time, when a train shop closes, it never reopens. If it does, its never the same.